DHE masking headache
 

I tried posting this in the headache forum, but I don't think they can relate to triggers and thresholds there. They also have fewer members. So I am trying it here:

I am trying to decide whether or not to take DHE this coming week. It is a hard decision because as a post-concussive person of 2 1/2 years duration, I rely on triggers to tell me to stop activity in order to prevent my headache from getting worse. When I took prednisone several months ago for 6 days, I felt great and did way too much activity. As a result, when I starting tapering off the prednisone, my Post-concussive symptoms were much worse, and they remain very bad today. I remain unable to listen to podcasts, and unable to walk more than 20 feet at a time without exacerbating my headache.

So my question is whether DHE will do the same thing to me by removing the trigger that tells me I am about to cross the threshold into dangerous territory that will make my condition worse on a long term or permanent basis.

If I decline the DHE infusions for this reason, I am wondering if magnesium infusions pose the same risk.

I want to get out of bed and start living my life, but not at the risk f making my condition even worse.

Thanks for any thoughts.
Joe
__________________

D.H.E. 45
(dihydroergotamine mesylate) Injection,

I don't think DHE has been discussed here.

You said "So my question is whether DHE will do the same thing to me by removing the trigger that tells me I am about to cross the threshold into dangerous territory that will make my condition worse on a long term or permanent basis."

Did you mean "removing the signs that tell me I am about to cross the threshold...."

Triggers cause an increase in symptoms. Signs tell us that we have pushed the limits. Loud noise is a trigger. Trouble understanding voices is a sign that one is pushing the limits.

I think you are making too much of "cross the threshold into dangerous territory that will make my condition worse on a long term or permanent basis." Pushing the limits rarely causes permanent worsening, just a relapse and need to recover,, again. One would have to continue the activity long beyond any signs of overdoing it.

Learning to moderate our activity so we do not go beyond our tolerance levels is most important. I don't let a med change what I know are my limits. I have learned the very subtle signs that I am starting to push my limits. If I go to a restaurant, if it is noisy, I wear my foam ear plugs. I don't wait to sense I have over done it.